Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris has been the subject of trade rumors ever since the team declined the fifth-year option on his rookie contract. The Alabama product is scheduled to hit free agency after the 2024 season, leading some to believe he could be available for the right price. While Harris’ agent has denied these rumors, it didn’t stop the fine folks at Bleacher Report from speculating on a potential deal. According to the site’s Instagram account, the Dallas Cowboys could try and make a move for the former Pro Bowler.
Najee Harris' agent says the rumor Harris asked for his fifth-year option to be declined isn't true ⬇️ https://t.co/ExtKpErmJy
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) May 9, 2024
Bleacher Report: Dallas Cowboys Could Trade For Najee Harris
Once again, it’s important to note that Najee Harris and his representatives have denied all trade rumors. While he may not land a second contract with the Steelers, all signs indicate that he will spend the 2024 season with Pittsburgh. With that disclaimer out of the way, the Dallas Cowboys make perfect sense if the Steelers decide to part ways with their primary running back.
After promising to go all-in, Jerry Jones did nothing as Tony Pollard and several key playmakers departed in free agency. As things currently stand, the Cowboys have a well past his prime Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle, and Deuce Vaughn battling for starting duties. Najee Harris might not live up to his first-round draft capital, but the trade target is considerably better than those three players. While he lacks an elite top gear, he’s one of the best in the game at breaking tackles and picking up difficult yards.
If Najee Harris is on the trade block, then the Dallas Cowboys won’t be the only team interested in acquiring him. Chances are, he’ll stick with the Steelers in 2024, but if he is dealt, these five teams could be potential destinations.
Other Landing Spots
New York Giants
After watching Saquon Barkley lead the offense for the past six seasons, the New York Giants are starting over in their backfield. While Devin Singletary proved he can play like a starting-caliber back with the Houston Texans, Najee Harris offers more upside as a potential trade candidate. Daniel Jones will be under center for one more season, which means the Giants will want to keep the ball out of his hands as much as possible.
Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh wants to win on the ground, but he’ll have a difficult time doing that with his current roster. Gus Edwards is nothing more than a league-average journeyman and J.K. Dobbins might not be the same after his Achilles injury. Najee Harris brings the hard-nosed, physical style of play Harbaugh craves, and the Chargers could be willing to trade a pick to establish an old-school offensive identity.
Kansas City Chiefs
Isiah Pacheco proved he’s a starting-caliber running back, but the former seventh-round pick leads a remarkably weak depth chart. The Chiefs could use more depth, and Najee Harris is a perfect trade target. While Harris and Pacheco possess similar running styles, the current Steeler is a more polished receiver who should earn plenty of touches in Kansas City’s pass-happy offense.
Las Vegas Raiders
Josh Jacobs is in Green Bay, meaning Zamir White and Alexander Mattison are battling for starting duties. While White showed some promise last year, this team could use an established back to help take some pressure off the Raiders underwhelming quarterback duo. Najee Harris is probably the best running back on the trade block, and his style of running perfectly complements Raider-style football.
Buffalo Bills
If the Bills trade for Najee Harris, they’ll likely do it to try and ease the burden on Josh Allen, rather than James Cook. Cook is a reliable running back who is at his best in the open space, but he’s not the type of guy to pick up those hard-to-get yards in the middle of the defense. To date, the Bills have used Josh Allen as a glorified battering ram in those situations, but those hits start to add up. Rather than gambling their franchise on multiple short-yardage scrambles, Harris could handle short-yardage work and keep Allen fresh throughout the season.
